Course Details

1. Identify and stress the role of communication in the design process.
2. Comprehend the analysis of the communication model with reference to visual communication.
3. Assimilation and implementation of complex design solutions required for the implementation of the information content, in relation to its purpose and users.
4. Ability to evaluate design solutions in terms of appropriateness, assimilation and information effectiveness.
5. Capacity for analysis and synthesis of a problem and its possible solution.
6. Acquirement of skills required for the importance of semantics - meaning in language and connotations of words or images - and semiotics - signs, words or images - in communicating information clearly towards specific target audiences.

Introduction to the communication process: The role of communication and the development of the visual communication. Semiology and the visual language. The theories of De Saussure, Roland Barthes and Umberto Eco.

The Proposal: The need for writing up a proposal. What does a proposal include? The aim and objectives, the background research, the client and the audience, the design management and bibliography.

Research in Art and Design: The role and importance of research in art and design. Methods of research. The quantitative and the qualitative research.

Interviews: The role of the diagnostic, depth/exploratory and standardised interview in the art and design research process.

Questionnaires: The role of the diagnostic, depth/exploratory and standardised questionnaires in the art and design research process.

Design Solutions: The use of various design categories ranging from corporate identity, to print and moving image advertising, company profiles and brochures to sales-of-point material and web literature.

Report Writing: Documentation of the complete project in a report. Hierarchy of the project’s aim and objectives, the research methodology, the design development and the project evaluation, supported by transcripts of interviews and bibliography.

Studio Work: Studio work is carried out involving the whole group and takes place within the whole spectrum of the duration of the course as this is allocated on the weekly schedule. Studio work also includes interim and final critiques.

No specific textbook required

• Richard Hickman, : Research in Art & Design Education: Issues and Exemplars, Intellect, 2008
• U. ECO, SEMIOLOGY IN EVERYDAY LIFE, MALLIARIS, 1991
• Brenda Laurel, Peter Lunenfeld, Design Research: Methods and Perspectives, MIT2003
• J. BERTIN , SEMIOLOGY OF GRAPHICS, UWP, 2003
• Robert Jacobson, Information Design, MIT, 1999

The course is mainly based on extended project briefing, practical workshops, exercises, illustrated lectures on the Art and Design research methodologies with the help of computer presentations, and group critiques. Student centred practical work, personal research, realization and manipulation in project work. The use of personal tutorials is an important and integral part of the teaching methodology.